Italian police have arrested 19 individuals, including top members of the ultras groups backing Milan’s two iconic Serie A football clubs, AC Milan and FC Internazionale, on accusations of forming criminal organizations.
The suspects allegedly aimed to seize control of several lucrative business activities surrounding the Giuseppe Meazza stadium, commonly known as San Siro.
The arrests, carried out on Monday, were part of a broader operation targeting mafia-related criminal enterprises. According to Italian media reports, the police crackdown has “decimated” the leadership of the ultras fan groups, disrupting their operations.
Among the charges faced by the detainees are criminal conspiracy, employing “mafia methods,” extortion, assault, and other serious crimes.
Authorities also suspect that the Calabrian mafia group ‘Ndrangheta may have been involved in the illicit activities linked to the football business.
Alleged Control of San Siro Business Activities
The arrested individuals are accused of attempting to control several business operations in and around the San Siro stadium.
These operations reportedly include the sale of food and beverages, tickets, fan merchandise, and the management of paid parking. Italian investigators believe that the group was also involved in drug trafficking as part of their criminal activities.
The arrested suspects include prominent figures in the Milanese football fan scene, such as Alex Cologno and Christian Rosiello, both described by the Italian press as “friends and bodyguards” of popular rap artist and music producer Fedez.
Additionally, Luca Lucci, a known acquaintance of Lega party leader Matteo Salvini, was taken into custody.
Authorities conducted searches at over 50 locations, including the homes of notable ultras members. Among those targeted was Giancarlo Lombardi, a former top AC Milan ultra, nicknamed “The Baron.”
Another key figure in the investigation is Antonio Bellocco, a former local ‘Ndrangheta boss, who was recently murdered in an incident reportedly linked to Inter ultras.
Ultras and Mafia Connections
The investigation has shed light on the extensive criminal connections between the ultras and organized crime groups.
Authorities allege that the arrested individuals, who once maintained a “non-belligerence pact” since 1981 following the death of a 21-year-old fan, had transformed their relationship into a business arrangement.
This deal allowed both AC Milan and Inter fan groups to profit from joint ventures, managing various profitable aspects of the football industry in Milan.
The pact, originally intended to maintain peace between rival fans, has now evolved into a mutual agreement for financial gain, according to investigators.
This shift reflects a growing concern over the infiltration of organized crime in Italy’s football scene, with fan groups often wielding significant power and influence.
A Blow to Ultras Leadership
The arrests represent a major blow to the leadership of the Milanese ultras, whose members have long been involved in the culture surrounding both AC Milan and Inter.
For years, these fan groups have played a central role in football fandom, but the recent crackdown has exposed their darker connections to the criminal underworld.
Italian authorities continue to investigate the extent of the mafia’s involvement in the football business, and further arrests may follow as the probe deepens.
The case has sparked renewed debate over the relationship between football and organized crime in Italy, raising questions about the future of the ultras culture and its influence on the sport.